Visiting Scientist Program: building shared resources to enhance research capacity in resource-limited settings

The Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), established in 2011, is a leading non-profit research institution in Nepal, committed to advancing bioscience, engineering, innovation, and education. With a mission to foster high-impact research and nurture future scientific leaders, RIBB promotes scientific integrity, collaboration, and the integration of Nepali research into the global scientific community. Building scientific capacity in a resource-limited, low- and middle-income country (LMIC) such as Nepal presents significant challenges that cannot be addressed through internal efforts alone. Recognizing the mutual benefits of international collaboration, RIBB launched the Visiting Scientist Program in 2022, to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen laboratory infrastructure, and foster sustainable, equitable research partnerships. Here, we describe the development, implementation, and outcomes of this program, demonstrating its role in expanding research capability, enabling meaningful international collaboration, and delivering tangible benefits to Nepal’s scientific ecosystem.